East Rumors: Wizards, Danilo Gallinari, Raptors, Pistons

Wizards

• The Wizards are expected to reach a buyout agreement with forward Danilo Gallinari, allowing him to become a free agent and explore signing with a contender, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. Gallinari was acquired as part of the three-team trade with the Celtics and Grizzlies.
• Washington is among those said to be interested in free agent Derrick Jones Jr., who declined his player option with the Bulls.
• Others among those on the Wizards’ radar, per Hoops Wire sources: forward Max Strus (Heat), forward Oshae Brissett (Pacers) and guard Seth Curry (Nets).
• Along with all that, the Wizards continue to seek trades for point guards Monte Morris or Delon Wright, per Fischer.

Raptors

Free agent guard Fred VanVleet is among the top targets for the Rockets in free agency, per Fischer.

“The Rockets, sources said, are considering short-term, high-salary contracts in order to land top-target free agents with their $61 million in cap space,” Fischer wrote. “It would take a maximum contract to ultimately lure VanVleet from Toronto, sources said, which would top out at two-years, $80 million.”

• We have more Raptors news here in our latest batch of East notes.

Pistons

The Pistons are exercising the $1.8 million team option on small forward Isaiah Livers, per James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Livers averaged 6.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in 52 games last season, his second in the NBA. So for Detroit to keep him on a minimum deal is considered a no-brainer.

As an aside, the Pistons are also expected to pick up the team option on guard Alec Burks.

• As we relayed, the Pistons are preparing a substantial offer for Nets restricted free agent Cam Johnson. They are also expected to pursue a reunion with unrestricted free agent Jerami Grant (Trail Blazers). Edwards suggested that unrestricted free agent forward Harrison Barnes (Kings) could be a nice fit as well.